BERLIN, Conn., June 17, 2009 — Taking advantage of natural resources in the towns of Thompson and Hampton will now be more enjoyable, thanks to environmental community grants from The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P).
In Hampton, the Hampton Conservation Commission will use its $996.49 grant for improvements to the Hampton Nature and Environmental Study Trail, located near the Hampton Elementary School. The grant will help with the reconstruction of a deteriorated, 15-year-old walking bridge across a tributary of the Little River and wetlands. In addition, a field guide will be developed with the help of the school's 5th and 6th grade students.
In Thompson, a $1,000 grant is being used to restore a 2,000-foot section of the French River in River Park in North Grosvenordale. As part of the restoration, native plants are being purchased and installed as a vegetative buffer to prevent erosion. The plantings focus on two areas - a 70-foot section that will feature a demonstration garden with educational signs for visitors, and areas where the riverbank has been eroded by surface runoff from nearby sidewalks and driveways. The project is being overseen by Thompson’s Together-Environmental Committee and local municipal land-use staff.
CL&P’s Environmental Community Grant Program funds local community and grassroots environmental projects that are often overlooked by large grant programs. For more information, visit www.nu.com/environmental/grant.asp.
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The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) has been part of everyday life in Connecticut for more than 100 years, providing safe and reliable electric service to homes, neighborhoods and businesses. With 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns, CL&P is an active member in the communities it serves, offering programs in energy efficiency, economic development and environmental stewardship. CL&P is part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU). For more information, please visit www.cl-p.com.